Providence Teachers Union turns back on Monday’s convocation

PROVIDENCE, R. I. — The Providence Teachers Union President asked its 2,000 members not to attend Monday’s convocation by Supt. Susan Lusi and others.

Linda Borg Journal Staff Writer @lborgprojocom

PROVIDENCE, R. I. — The Providence Teachers Union President asked its 2,000 members not to attend Monday’s convocation by Supt. Susan Lusi and others.

A spokeswoman for the district said about 350 teachers and other staff turned out at the convocation, which was not mandatory. Last year, about 600 educators attended the event, where Lusi highlights the district’s accomplishments and its plans for the future.

Lusi said Monday, “We are disappointed that the union leadership asked teachers not to attend convocation as a tactic in contract negotiations.

“We have made progress to move public education forward, and we remain focused on reaching agreement on a new contract that continues that progress. We look forward to welcoming students and families for the start of a productive school year.”

PTU President Maribeth Calabro said the union will show up for the first day of school on Wednesday and said no actions have been planned to disrupt student instruction.

Negotiations, both sides said, are not at an impasse and talks are expected to resume this week.

Calabro said she made the decision Sunday after much soul-searching.

“I didn’t feel that it would be in our collective best interest to go there and give a speech about respect when I’m not feeling very respected right now,” Calabro said Monday. “I have the utmost respect for Sue Lusi. This is less about her and more about how my [teachers] feel.”

Calabro said her members are frustrated that the contract hasn’t been signed. Negotiations began in February.

Calabro said members are also upset that management wants more cuts when the PTU agreed to $56 million in savings three years ago during a very challenging fiscal crisis for the city.

“I strongly feel that the PTU has done more than its fair share of negotiating in good faith,” she said. “But they are asking for more.”

The union is upset that management wants to hire a consultant for $1.8 million while asking the PTU to compromise.

“If I had any budgetary issues in my family,” Callabro said, “I wouldn’t go out to buy a Chanel bag.”

Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the number of union members.